2025-08 School District, Federal & State News

Aleutian Region – Nikolski School’s reopening year was ‘incredibly successful’, superintendent says – Sofia Stuart-Rasi, KUCB

Anchorage – HUGGS Back-to-School Jam aims to provide 5,000 ASD students with free school supplies – Georgina Fernandez, Alaska’s News Source

Anchorage – Parents divided over ASD’s revised policy banning cell phones from the classroom – Quinn White, Alaska’s News Source

Anchorage – Anchorage School District bans cellphone use in class for all students – Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media

Anchorage – Anchorage School District bans smartphone use during class in all grades – Anchorage Daily News

Anchorage – Anchorage School District issues layoff notices after federal funding freeze – Iris Samuels, ADN

Anchorage – Anchorage School District lays off staff, blaming state and federal funding cuts – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media

Anchorage – Opinion: Gov. Dunleavy’s education veto shows a leadership crisis — and Alaska’s urgent need for a fiscal plan – Carl Jacobs, Kelly Lessens, Melissa Burnett & Tim Doran, ADN

Anchorage – ‘Limping along’: Federal education funding freeze cuts into ASD staffing – Joe Allgood, Alaska’s News Source

Anchorage – School closures possible, mayors say, as leaders gauge impact of education funding veto – Will Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

Anchorage – Anchorage School District faces $4.3 million budget cut after governor’s veto – Olivia Nordyke & Hannah Lee, Alaska’s News Source

Anchorage – Anchorage School District institutes hiring freeze, weighs more cuts after governor’s budget veto – Jenna Kunze, ADN

Anchorage – Anchorage School Board reacts to ‘outrageous’ veto of state education funding – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media

Anchorage – Anchorage to distribute millions in child care stimulus grants – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media

Anchorage – Despite passage of ‘historic’ education bill, Anchorage School District leaders anxious about potential budget veto – Jenna Kunze, ADN

Cordova – Alaska school boards denounce education funding veto – Cordova Times

Cordova – School Board passes annual budget with confidence, despite potential line-item funding veto – Camille Botello, Cordova Times

Cordova – Murkowski talks federal funding at Sunday town hall – Kinsey Brown, Cordova Times

Dillingham – Dillingham City School District finalizes lease for future employee housing – Margaret Sutherland, KDLG

Dillinghamn – Dillingham City Council adopts next year’s budget – Margaret Sutherland, KDLG

Fairbanks – School district joins national lawsuit over education funding – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks – Federal grant freeze means ‘waiting game’ for Fairbanks schools, board president says – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC

Fairbanks – ‘Unorthodox’ school district budget assumes lawmakers buck education funding veto – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC

Fairbanks – Public education is not for sale: Alaskans must reject the voucher Trojan horse – Morgan Dulian, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks – $2.5 million Fairbanks shortfall: Interior leaders react to Dunleavy’s education funding veto – Alex Bengel, KTVF

Fairbanks – Fairbanks school district eyes $2.5M cut following Dunleavy vetoes – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks – Interior lawmakers must fight Dunleavy’s school cuts – Sarah K. Lewis, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks – Fairbanks school board weighs state budget scenarios – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks – School board weighs state budget scenarios – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks – Education commissioner sends charter school application back to school board — again – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Haines – ‘We need a bus’ Parents weigh in after district drops busing service for students – Rashah McChesney, Chilkat Valley News

Haines – Haines School District doesn’t renew bus contract: Superintendent looking for alternatives, parents looking for ways to avoid three-hour daily commutes – Melinda Munson, KHNS

Haines – Parents weigh in after district announces it will not bus students to school this year – Rashah McChesney, Chilkat Valley News

Juneau – State signs $28.5M contract to advance new ferry terminal over objections from Marine Highway board – Iris Samuels, ADN

Juneau – Juneau School District, teachers’ union turn to mediation after negotiations stall – Jamie Diep, KTOO

Juneau – Juneau School District decides to close the RALLY program – Jasz Garrett, Juneau Empire

Juneau – Juneau School District will end its after school program, plans to replace with private provider – Jamie Diep, KTOO

Juneau – Juneau school board remains undecided on continuing free breakfast program – Jamie Diep, KTOO

Juneau – Chalking up education funding outrage on the sidewalk at the governor’s mansion. Families protest Dunleavy’s vetoes to education funding with colorful pictures and words. – Natalie Buttner, Juneau Empire

Juneau – Families protest Dunleavy’s vetoes to education funding with colorful pictures and words. – Natalie Buttner, Juneau Empire

Juneau – Juneau lawmakers discuss state budget woes, education funding at town hall – Clarise Larson, KTOO

Ketchikan – Interim Superintendent seeks to usher in next era for KGBSD – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News

Ketchikan – School Board advances policy change that would address citizen complaints – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News

Ketchikan – School Board advances policy change that would address citizen complaints – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News

Ketchikan – Schools restructuring moves ahead – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News

Ketchikan – School district eyes interim superintendent – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News

Kenai – Federal education funding to be released after monthlong delay – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion

Kenai – Federal freeze withholds $3 million in grants for Kenai Peninsula schools – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL

Kenai – Kenai Peninsula Borough school board to finalize budget – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion

Kenai – Sterling Elementary, school pools preserved in revised budget plan – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL

Kenai – Pool funding OK’d as district looks to hand off facilities to communities – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion

Kenai – Petitions seek recall of Kenai Peninsula school board members – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL

Kenai – KPBSD issues notice of non-retention to pool managers, theater techs and library aides. Those notices were issued due to the ongoing uncertainty in state education funding – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion

Kenai – Future of Seward school theater program ‘uncertain’ as KPBSD cuts some theater positions district-wide – Alaska’s News Source

Kodiak – District presents real costs of preserving North Star – Steve Williams, Kodiak Daily Mirror

Kodiak – North Star work group holds inaugural meeting – Steve Williams, Kodiak Daily Mirror

Kodiak – Future of North Star building uncertain as work group mulls cost sharing agreement and uses – Davis Hovey, KMXT

Kodiak – From island nation to an island in Alaska: how Filipino teachers adjust to their new lives – Brian Venua, Alaska Beacon

Kodiak – Kodiak Island Borough ups education funding to nearly $13 million – Brian Venua, KMXT

Kodiak – Assembly fully funds KIBSD request – Steve Williams, Kodiak Daily Mirror

Mat-Su – Revised school district budget marked by uncertainty and assumptions – Katie Stavick, Frontiersman

Mat-Su – Opinion: Mat-Su parents grateful for Sen. Yundt’s leadership on Alaska education bill – Brooke Gerkin, Amanda Johnson, Traci Sanders & Jessica Clark, ADN

Nome – Nome Public Schools requests additional funding from city after governor veto – Ben Townsend, KNOM

Petersburg – Over 100 Petersburg students can get migrant education funding after federal grants are unfrozen – Taylor Heckart, KFSK

Petersburg – Petersburg City Public Schools board approves $285K for special education teacher recruitment

Petersburg – After Dunleavy’s education veto, Petersburg School District spends over half a million from reserves – Taylor Heckart, KFSK

Petersburg – Petersburg School District enhances safety with summer construction – Taylor Heckart, KFSK

Sitka – New superintendent will lead both Mt. Edgecumbe High School and Chatham School District – Katherine Rose, KCAW

Sitka – ‘Because it’s raining’: Sitka Schools tap $500k in reserves to cover governor’s surprise veto – Robert Woolsey, KCAW

Sitka – State hires new superintendent for Mt. Edgecumbe High School – KCAW

Sitka – School Board Taps Reserve to Fill Gap – Shannon Haugland, Sitka Daily Sentinel

Sitka – Sitkans Protesting State School Tax Policy – Shannon Haugland, Daily Sitka Sentinel

Unalaska – Proposed state regulations threaten Unalaska school funding – Maggie Nelson, KUCB

Wrangell – Wrangell School Board receives money-saving ideas – Jonathon Dawe, Wrangell Sentinel

Wrangell – Wrangell School Board hires new superintendent; this time from around the world – Colette Czarnecki, KSTK

Yukon-Koyukuk – Trial begins for woman accused of embezzling $35,000 from Yukon-Koyukuk School District – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Alaska’s Legislature is scheduled to begin a special session Saturday. Here’s what to expect – James Brooks & Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

The Alaska Legislature’s special session will cost thousands. Will it be worth it? – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media

Alaska legislators prepare to consider veto overrides in special session — but which ones? – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Alaska ignored budget crisis signs. Now, it doesn’t have money to fix schools – Emily Schwing, NPR

Education advocates hopeful for restored school funding with veto override – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media

KTOO furloughs temporary staff, limits Gavel Alaska special session coverage, due to federal funding cuts – Mark Sabbatini, Juneau Independent

Opinion: Legislature has a constitutional duty to address Dunleavy vetoes. If we do not act during this special session, the vetoes will become permanent – Sen. Gary Stevens & Rep. Bryce Edgmon

Dunleavy revives previously rejected education policy proposals ahead of legislative special session – Iris Samuels, ADN

Opinion: Anti-everything governor – Larry Persily, Wrangell Sentinel

Opinion: The governor’s latest education veto was misguided and unprecedented. Alaska lawmakers need to override it – Andy Josephson, ADN

Opinion: Gov. Dunleavy has mishandled and mistimed the special session – Cliff Groh, ADN

Opinion: Education accountability starts at home — not just in Juneau – Rep. Bill Elam, Juneau Empire

Governor releases new details on special session bills, Majority lawmakers call for ‘full participation’ – Joey Klecka & Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

Dunleavy sets out agenda for special session, while Alaska legislative leaders focus on vetoes – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

House, Senate leaders: Legislature’s duty during special session is clear on education funding, access to oil/gas data – Gary Stevens and Bryce Edgmon, Juneau Independent

What Alaska lawmakers are expecting from Gov. Dunleavy’s Aug. 2 special session – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media

Gov. Dunleavy veto of increase for Alaska child care and infant learning funding draws concerns – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

Alaska K-3 students improve in reading, state assessment shows – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

School leaders in Alaska express relief as Trump administration releases frozen funds – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media

Alaska school districts celebrate release of federal education funding frozen by Trump – Iris Samuels, ADN

Alaska school districts join lawsuit over Trump administration freeze of billions for education – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

School districts sue Trump administration over $6 billion funding freeze – ABC News

Alaska school districts join lawsuit against U.S. Department of Education. Three school districts in Alaska are among the 14 plaintiffs suing the Trump administration – Josiah Pike & Joe Allgood, Alaska’s News Source

Murkowski worries Trump administration’s $6B funding freeze could result in ‘closing schools’ – ABC News Radio

Alaska appeals to US Education Department after failing funding test, with $80.8 million at stake – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

Alaska education department appeals failed test that puts $80 million in funding at risk – Jamie Diep, KTOO

If we are serious about improving education in Alaska, then we must fully fund our schools – Luke Meinert, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Alaska state senator, key vote on possible budget veto override, gets waiver from U.S. Army. Forrest Dunbar, a Democrat from Anchorage, is deployed in Poland with the Alaska National Guard – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Opinion: The governor isn’t even trying anymore to get along – Larry Persily, ADN

Governor calls school leaders ‘hysterical’ as many districts submit deficit budgets – Will Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

Opinion: The governor is asking GOP legislators to refuse to show up and do their jobs – Dermot Cole, ADN

Opinion: School starts in Alaska next month with more cuts and layoffs. We need help now. – Carl Jacobs & Margo Bellamy, ADN

Opinion: Alaska education reform doesn’t start with budget cuts – Bobby Burgess & Morgan Dulian, ADN

Opinion: Alaska educators and school boards aren’t the enemy – Rick Morgan, ADN

On education, Dunleavy and the ad nauseam school of propaganda – Dermot Cole, Reporting from Alaska

Opinion – We’re not going to stop pushing for better Alaska student outcomes – Mike Dunleavy & Deena Bishop

School districts in the Y-K Delta make tough choices amid battle for education funding – Evan Erickson, KYUK

Alaska school boards denounce education funding veto – Cordova Times

To thwart veto overrides, Dunleavy asks House Republicans not to show up to special session he called – Iris Samuels, ADN

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy forces early vote on education veto override with special session in August – Corinne Smith & James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Gov. Dunleavy calls for August special legislative session in Juneau – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media

Lawmakers say veto override possible after Dunleavy orders special session – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

‘Agonizing’: How Alaska’s pivotal Republican senator decided to vote for Donald Trump’s bill – Mary Claire Jalonick & Becky Bohrer, AP

Public comment period opens for proposal limiting local governments’ contributions to schools – Jasz Garrett, Juneau Empire

Alaska Legislature launches education funding task force to address finances and future of schools – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

AASB Denounces Governor Dunleavy’s Vetoes of Vital FY2026 Education Funding – Delta Discovery

AFN calls on Legislators and Governor to prioritize Education Funding – Delta Discovery

Alaska’s Education Dept. has proposed a rule change to preserve federal funding. It could cost local schools millions – Robert Woolsey, KCAW

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy vetoes bill intended to aid rural teacher housing shortage – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy vetoes bipartisan bills related to school maintenance and payday loans – Iris Samuels, ADN

U.S. Senate approves bill with funding for some rural Alaska schools and towns – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Public comment opens for proposed regulation change to further limit local contributions for school districts – Jamie Diep, KTOO

Opinion: House reconciliation bill would divert dollars from Anchorage classrooms – Kelly Lessens, ADN

U.S. Senate approves bill with funding for some rural Alaska schools and towns – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Education nonprofit plans to sue state over governor’s BSA veto – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media

Lawsuit planned over Dunleavy veto of education funding, nonprofit director says – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

Dunleavy’s education veto highlights a leadership crisis and the need for fiscal plan – Carl Jacobs, Kelly Lessens, Melissa Burnett and Tim Doran, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Dunleavy special session funding veto means emergency education session unlikely, lawmaker says – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

The dismantling of Alaska’s education system – Colin Craven, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Hiring, spending freezes implemented following education veto, superintendents say – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

Freshmen lawmakers reflect on their first session in the Alaska State Legislature – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

Local officials warn of possible lawsuit in wake of Alaska governor’s education funding veto. The question is whether the veto violates Alaska’s constitutional guarantee of an adequately funded public school system – James Brooks & Corinne Smith – Alaska Beacon

Dunleavy’s education veto is a threat to Alaska’s future, local leaders say – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media

Gov. Dunleavy vetoes $51M in school formula funding from budget – Sean Maguire & Iris Samuels, ADN

Dunleavy vetoes education funding boost as he signs budget bill – Wil Courtney & Matthew Simon, Alaska’s News Source

Dunleavy: line-item veto decision, including education funding, coming this week – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source

Hiring teachers from the Philippines could mean brain drain for Filipino schools – Brian Venua, Alaska Beacon

After outcry, Alaska state board postpones vote on proposal to limit local funding for schools. The state school board did not take up an emergency regulation by the state but may reexamine the idea after a 30-day public comment period – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

After outrage and legal threats, Alaska education board pauses new limits on local funding for public schools – Sean Maguire, ADN

Behind the cameras: Gavel Alaska broadcasts the business of state government to Alaskans. The public service broadcast from KTOO Public Media, works closely with state offices to ensure Alaskans can see their state government in real time – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon

Alaska Board of Education to consider further limiting local contributions to school districts – Jamie Diep, KTOO

Alaska state school board considers rules that would limit local funding for public schools – JAmes Brooks, Alaska Beacon

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon reflects on Alaska’s 34th legislative session – Margaret Sutherland & Ryan Berkoski, KDLG

Alaska legislative leaders urge governor to address ‘pattern of obstruction’ by revenue department – Iris Samuels, ADN

UAS hires new education school dean and Sitka campus director – Jamie Diep, KTOO